I like tipping for good service. It's part of American culture. I have no problem with it. I love tipping for a job well done.

However, I don't like being forced into it.

America created a culture where people feel guilty if they don't tip. This started with the pandemic and digital payment screens. Now, saying 'thank you' feels like a financial obligation.

It's annoying when a takeout employee says, 'The computer wants to ask you a question.' The computer doesn't ask about the service, but about the tip.

A person is choosing a custom tip at a restaurant in Florida.

Now, when buying food or drinks, people often see three big buttons: 20%, 25%, and 30%. One place had four buttons: 18%, 20%, 22%, and 25%.

Notice what's missing from these options?

Fifteen percent is missing.

Apparently, people now think 18% is the minimum for gratitude.

This isn't about servers, bartenders, or delivery drivers who work hard. They deserve tips for good service.

A celebrity chef talked about how weight-loss drugs are changing how people eat.

Businesses find it easier to ask customers for more money through tips instead of raising prices. They make it hard to say no to tips.

Instead of honest prices, businesses use iPads to ask for more money.

The menu price and the checkout price are different. This isn't transparent; it's marketing.

Tipping is now everywhere: coffee shops, bakeries, stadiums, airports, and even self-serve places.

It's annoying when employees ask about tips.

We're no longer tipping for service; we're tipping just because.

Starbucks uses a chatbot to suggest drinks based on mood.

Payment screens are designed to make people feel bad about not tipping. The 'No Tip' button is hard to find.

Businesses know how people think. That's why they don't ask if you want to tip, but how generous you are.

There's a consequence to all this: people tip less and go out less because they feel forced.

A grocery boss warned about the problems with high prices.

This is bad for customers, workers, and businesses.

Here's a radical idea.

If something costs $24, charge $24. If coffee costs $6, say $6. Don't hide the price.

Americans are generous. We donate to charity and help neighbors.

But generosity only means something when it's freely given.

When it's expected and feels like a guilt trip, it's not gratitude; it's a surcharge.

A tip should never be like another tax.

This isn't about hardworking servers or delivery drivers. They deserve tips for good service.

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A tip was supposed to be a thank-you.

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Maybe it's time America remembered what a tip is for.

Click here to read more from Ted Jenkin.

Ted Jenkin is the President of Exit Stage Left Advisors and hosts a show.